US Bridges

Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough

PoorPosted for load

Tehama County, California · White Road · Structure no. 08C0058

Built
1915
110 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Concrete Continuous
Length
400 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,837
2010 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough is a concrete continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough in Tehama County, California. It was built in 1915, so it is 110 years old, older than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,837 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,550 by 2042. The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesBelle Mill RD
CrossesSamson Slough
LocationWhite Road
RouteCounty Highway 0
Coordinates40.18609, -122.21944
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating16.8 US tons
Inventory rating10 US tons

Structure

MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadUnknown
Structure length400 ft (121.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,837 (2010)
Projected traffic2,550 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.4 million (2017 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough built?

It was built in 1915, making it 110 years old in 2025.

What condition is Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough carry?

About 1,837 vehicles per day (2010 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough?

The structure is 400 ft (121.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Belle Mill RD over Samson Slough?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.